Pet owners cautioned about low temps

The Animal Care Network warns pet owners about temperatures plunging into the single digits in southeast Michigan almost every night over the next 10 days. Animals left outside can die and some already have this winter.

"Please check on outdoor dogs constantly, making sure the dog house is elevated and has not filled with snow. Make sure their chains are not frozen and tangled, said Pam Porteous, Animal Care Network manager. “Make sure their dog houses are packed full with dry straw. Make sure they have a pathway shoveled just like you would for you and your human family. And make sure they have access to food and fresh water!

Porteous urges those who cannot keep their pet to take it to a local shelter or call a rescue group. “If you see a dog or cat in trouble, please call your local animal control, please department or rescue group immediately.”

Some cold weather tips:

•If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to bring them inside.

•When you are too cold to go inside, pets most likely are too.

•Low temperatures, winds and precipitation can lead to illness, hypothermia and death.

•Dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes, mainly on feet, ears and tails.

•Local laws require that if dogs are kept outdoors, the owner must supply the dog with "proper" shelter.

•If kept outside, use a dog house that is not oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat.

•Put a wind flap on the dog house door.

•Provide plenty of dry straw and access to fresh, unfrozen water.

••Blankets and towels only freeze when used in a dog house.

•Snow is not sufficient to hydrate animals! Water bowls freeze!

•Dog houses must be elevated off the ground so they don't freeze on the bottom.

•Double up on food intake during cold weather. Extra weight keeps them warmer.

•Feral cats need shelter and protection from the elements.

•Cats who spend time outside can freeze, get lost, injured or climb into the bottom of warms cars for warmth.

•Salt and other chemicals can irritate the pads of animal's feet.

•If you see a dog or cat in need of a help, become that animal's advocate. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control office.